U of Tennessee Chancellors: We Cannot Support Health Benefits For Gay Partners

University of Tennessee Chancellor Jimmy Cheek and Agriculture Chancellor Larry Arrington have told faculty they cannot support health benefits for unmarried and gay partners because of state laws.

Faculty Senate President Steve Thomas read a joint letter from the two at the Faculty Senate meeting in the University Center this afternoon.

The letter is the response requested by the faculty when it drafted a resolution in April supporting education, leave and health benefits for unmarried couples that mirrors what is offered to married couples.

"We hope you understand that in our positions as leaders of an agency of the State of Tennessee, it is incumbent upon us to act consistently with the public policy of our state," the letter reads.